Top cop says Batley murder was 'horrific' as police probe continues

Detectives are investigating a murder after a Batley man was killed in his own home.
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Saleem Butt, who was 61, was found with serious injuries in his house in Hyrstlands Road around 9pm last Thursday,

West Yorkshire Police are now trying to piece together the death of Mr Butt, who was described to be ‘well known and well respected locally’ and a keen gardener.

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Batley East Councillor, Mahmood Akhtar said: “I’m sorry to hear about this situation.

Detective Chief Inspector, Tony NicholsonDetective Chief Inspector, Tony Nicholson
Detective Chief Inspector, Tony Nicholson

“I’d like to give my well wishes to Mr Butt’s family at this time.

“I’ve heard that he was a gentleman and used to work within the community a lot.

“It’s a loss to the area and as a councillor and a member of the community, it’s something you never get used to hearing about.

“It’s a shocking incident.”

Saleem Butt, 61Saleem Butt, 61
Saleem Butt, 61
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Information circulating after his death suggested Mr Butt was stabbed, but a post mortem examination confirmed otherwise.

West Yorkshire Police investigating Mr Butt’s death and are now appealing to the public for help.

Officers have described the murder of Mr Butt as ‘brutal’ and said it was extremely important those responsible were caught.

Detective Chief Inspector, Tony Nicholson said releasing an image of Mr Butt (left) ‘may jog someone’s memory’ of when they last saw him or if they saw him in the days before his death.

Hyrstlands RoadHyrstlands Road
Hyrstlands Road
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Mr Nicholson said: “It is very hard to comprehend why someone would attack Mr Butt, let alone inflict the level of violence he suffered.

"He was tied and severely beaten in what was a horrific sustained attack.

“I cannot stress how important it is we find those responsible for what was an awful offence committed against a man described as lovely and very gentle by those that new him.

“Persons prepared to commit these acts must be taken off our streets and I urge anyone who has information to come forwards.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting log 2208 of 23 April.